14 School Lunches To Keep Your Picky Eaters Satisfied
Some kids are notoriously picky eaters, and it can be a source of frustration for parents to come up with nutritious, delicious school lunches that their children will actually eat. These fourteen recipes will make sure your kids won’t come home from school with an untouched lunchbox.
1. Tuna Wrap
![A tuna wrap lays cut in half and stacked so you can see the tuna and lettuce inside.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tuna-wrap-1024x576.png)
A classic lunchtime favorite, Tuna Wrap is a great way to get some healthy protein into your child’s diet. You can prep the ingredients the night before and have the wrap ready to go in the morning.
2. Egg Salad Sandwich
![An Egg Salad Sandwich sitting on a white plate.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/egg-salad-sandwich-1-1024x576.jpg)
Arguably the most popular sandwich ever, Egg Salad Sandwich is a lunchtime staple you and your kids will both enjoy. The best part? This recipe is way healthier than the classic as I replaced part of the mayo with smashed avocado.
3. Chicken Poppers
![A bento box filled with chicken poppers.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/chicken-poppers-1024x576.png)
Chicken Poppers are a protein-heavy lunch made in kid-size portions. It’s easy for them to pick up and even dip into some kind of sauce.
4. Homemade Uncrustables
![A closeup of an uncrustable sandwich in a sandwich box.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/uncrustables-1024x576.png)
We all know that the ingredient list on store-bought Untrustables isn’t exactly what we want to be feeding our kids. So make Homemade Uncrustables instead. They are easy and tasty.
5. Tuna Pinwheels
![Tuna Pinwheels in a bento container. Another bento box with fresh blueberries sits next to it.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tuna-pin-wheels-1-1024x576.jpg)
Tuna Pinwheels are delicious (for adults, too!) and very filling. They will tide the kiddos over until they get home with no problem. In fact, they might even stay full until dinner.
6. Apple & Smoked Gouda Lunchbox Kebobs
![Apple & Gouda Kabobs in a small lunch container on a table next to some books.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/apple-gouda-sticks-1-1024x576.jpg)
While you will want to choose your skewers carefully, these delicious Apple & Smoked Gouda Lunchbox Kebobs are a fun and tasty way to get the kids to fill their bellies at the lunch table.
7. Spaghetti Cups
![Spaghetti Cups on a round cutting board.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/spaghetti-cups-1-1024x576.jpg)
Spaghetti Cups turn messy spaghetti into tidy finger food. They are easy to pack and fun for the kids to eat.
8. Lunch Box Burritos
![A burrito in a bento container next to a second container of green grapes.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lunch-box-burritos-1024x576.png)
These Lunch Box Burritos are a great option for make-ahead lunches. Make a big batch and freeze them for easy lunch packing in the morning.
9. Banana Poppers
![Thick slices of banana rolled in puffed cereal.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/banana-bites-1024x576.png)
Do your kids like bananas? Take those bananas to the next level and turn them into lunch with this Banana Poppers recipe.
9. Mac and Cheese Bites
![A white cutting board holds a pile of mac and cheese bites with a small white bowl of ketchup.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mac-and-cheese-bites-1-1024x576.jpg)
Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun lunch that is mess-free and something the kids will enjoy. Make a big batch so you have a few days’ worth for easy lunches.
11. Quinoa Muffins For School Lunches
![A bento tray with fruits, veggies and some quinoa muffins.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/quinoa-muffins-1024x576.png)
Quinoa Muffins For School Lunches are a great way to get your kids to eat more whole grains (though, technically, quinoa is a seed).
12. Jam Sandwiches For Lunchbox Lunches
![A closeup of jam sandwiches next to some sliced apples.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/jam-sandwiches-1024x576.png)
Do your kids prefer something a little sweeter for lunch? Find a no-sugar fruit preserve and make these Jam Sandwiches For Lunchbox Lunches.
13. Banana Sushi
![A closeup of banana sushi slices in a bento tin.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/banana-sushi-1024x576.png)
Yes, Banana Sushi is a thing, and it’s absolutely perfect for a school lunch. It’s filling, and satisfying, and the kids will have a lot of fun eating it. You can even pack chopsticks!
14. Easy Gimbap
![A closeup of a gimbap that has been broken in half to expose the hot dog and rice inside.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/easy-gimbap-1024x576.png)
This Easy Gimbap recipe is a quick and easy meal for school lunches. Kids never argue with hot dogs, and you can feel good about the brown rice and nori.
After-School Snacks That Won’t Ruin Dinner!
![Two rice crackers with peanut butter and sliced bananas on them.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/after-school-snacks-1-1-1024x576.jpg)
Don’t let those after-school snacks ruin their appetite for dinner. These healthy snacks will safely tide them over until dinner while still making sure they are hungry enough to eat their dinner.
How To Safely Pack A Hot Or Cold School Lunch
![A woman packing a school lunch box.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/after-school-snacks-2-1-1024x576.jpg)
Not sure how to keep hot or cold food safe until the kids get to lunchtime? Foodborne illnesses can be avoided with these school lunch packing tips.
Back To School Eats
![An overhead view of a sandwich in a container with a small glass of milk and some grapes.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/after-school-snacks-3-1-1024x576.jpg)
Need more ideas for meals when the kids go back to school? Here is a list of 36 ideas you won’t want to miss.
This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.